APPROVAL OF MINUTES
EL MONTE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
OF MARCH 12, 2025
MEETING JOINTLY AND REGULARLY WITH THE EL MONTE HOUSING AUTHORITY; EL MONTE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY; EL MONTE WATER AUTHORITY; EL MONTE PARKING AUTHORITY; SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE FORMER EL MONTE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY; HOUSING SUCCESSOR AGENCY; AND, FROM TIME TO
TIME, SUCH OTHER BODIES OF THE CITY WHOSE MEMBERSHIP IS COMPOSED
EXCLUSIVELY OF THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE CITY COUNCIL
1. CALL TO ORDER: 6:01 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL FOR CITY COUNCIL AND AUTHORITY BODIES:
Jessica Ancona, Mayor/Chair – present
Marisol Cortez, Mayor Pro Tem/Authority Member – present Sheila Crippen-Thomas, Councilmember/Authority Member – present Cindy Galvan, Councilmember/Authority Member – present
Martin Herrera, Councilmember/Authority Member – present Viviana Longoria, Councilmember/Authority Member – present Dr. Julia Ruedas, Councilmember/Authority Member – present
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
m) Councilmember Dr. Ruedas
s) Councilmember Galvan 7-0
4. CLOSED SESSION:
The City Council and the various legislativ e bodies whose membership is composed exclusively of the membership of the City Council will attempt to address and complete all Closed Session business between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. If the City Council completes all Closed Session business prior to 7:00 p.m., the City Council will take a short recess and commence all Open Session proceedings promptly at 7:00 p.m. In the event the City Council is unable to address or complete all agendized Closed Session items by 7:00 p.m., the City Council will hear all such remaining items toward the end of the meeting, immediately following Council Communications. Should any member of the public wish to address the City Council on any agendized Closed Session matter, the City Council shall allow such person to address the City Council on such matter(s) prior to going into Closed Session, provided that all persons wishing to address the Council on an agendized Closed Session matter shall (i) call-in or submit a speaker card in the manner prescribed on page 1 of this agenda, above, prior to the City Council going into closed session; and (ii) be subject to a single speaker time allotment of three (3) continuous minutes total per speaker to address the City Council on any or all closed session items of business.
Mayor Ancona invited members of the public to address the City Council on Closed Session Items 4.1 through 4.3. Mayor Ancona and the City Council recessed into Closed Session at approximately 6:02 p.m.
At 7:00 p.m. the City Clerk announced that the City Council would reconvene at 7:15 p.m.
Mayor Ancona and the City Council reconvened from Closed Session at approximately 7:18 p.m.
4.1 Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) – Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation – Leos vs. City of El Monte, Central District Court Case No. 2:23-cv-02427.
City Council received an update from legal counsel, feedback given, but no final action taken.
City Council Meeting Minutes of March 12, 2025
2 4.2 Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) – Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation – One (1) Matter.
City Council received an update from legal counsel, feedback given, but no final action taken.
4.2 Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 – Conference with Labor Negotiators.
Bargaining Units Subject to Negotiations: El Monte General Unit (SEIU Local 721); El Monte General Mid-Management Unit (SEIU Local 721); El Monte Police Officers Association; and El Monte Police Mid-Manager’s Association.
City’s Designated Negotiator: Alma Martinez, City Manager; and Rigoberto Gutierrez, Human Resources/Risk Management Director.
City Council received an update from legal counsel, feedback given, but no final action taken.
OPEN SESSION PROCEEDINGS
(Commencing at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafte r as the City Council reconvene from Closed Session/Short Recess).
5. INVOCATION: Chaplain. Chaplain Manny Coronilla.
6. FLAG SALUTE: Sophia Gomez, 6 th Grade Student from Twin Lakes School.
Present
7. RECOGNITIONS, HONORS AND COMMUNITY INTEREST PRESENTATIONS:
7.1 Presentation by the City Council to Sophia Gomez from Twin Lakes School for Leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Present
7.2 Presentation by the City Council to Our Local Businesses in Appreciation for Their Donations to the Eaton Fire Victims. Present
8. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT:
This time has been set aside for members of the public to directly address the City Council on agendized items of business (other than those agendized as public hearing or closed session items) or on any other matter of interest to the speaker/caller that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council, the Housing Authority, the Financing Authority and/or the Water Authority (collectively, the “Council”). Each speaker/caller will be limited to a single allotment of three (3) continuous minutes total to address the Council on any or all matters covered by this section. As explained more specifically under the Public Hearing portion of this agenda, members of the public wishing to offer comment on items of business agendized under the Public Hearing portion of the agenda shall have a separate allotment of three (3) continuous minutes per speaker per public hearing item.
Except as otherwise provided under the Brown Act (Gov. Code Section 54950 et seq.), the Council may not deliberate or take action upon any matter not listed on this posted agenda but may order that any such matter be placed on the agenda for a subsequent meeting. The Council may also direct staff to investigate certain matters for consideration at a future meeting. Persons wishing to address the Council on matters covered under General Public Comment shall call in or submit a speaker card in the manner prescribed on page 1 of this agenda, above, by or before the General Public Comment portion of the agenda is closed. The City Council shall be under no obligation to entertain comments from speakers/callers who submit cards or call in to speak on matters covered by the section after the General Public Comment portion of the agenda is closed.
City Council Meeting Minutes of March 12, 2025
3 Kelly Hadnott-Brown – PIO for the Office of Disaster Recover & Resilience. Provided information regarding resources available through FEMA.
Rachel Lizotte – Provided updates for Norwood Library.
Charles Hoffman – Spoke about the Open House on March 16, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
9. CITY TREASURER’S REPORT: None
10. DEMAND RESOLUTION NO. D-726
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL MONTE, CALIFORNIA,
ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AND SPECIFYING THE FUNDS OUT OF WHICH THE SAME ARE TO BE PAID.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL MONTE, CALIFORNIA, DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. That the attached list of claims and demands totaling $7,887,133.08 have been examined by the City Treasurer and that warrant numbers 1129051 through 1129290, and the payroll period February 1, 2025 through February 15, 2025 inclusive are hereby allowed in the amounts and ordered paid out of the respective funds as set forth.
m) Councilmember Galvan
s) Councilmember Crippen-Thomas 7-0
11. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
12. CONSENT CALENDAR:
All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine in nature and may be enacted by one motion approving the recommendation listed on the Agenda. One or more items may be removed from the Consent Calendar so that they may be discussed, considered, and voted upon individually by the Council. A matter may be removed from the Consent Calendar and taken up separately by way of a seconded motion of any member of the Council with the approval of a majority of the Council quorum.
12.1 Waiver of Full Reading of Ordinance(s).
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approval to waive full reading (except title) of all ordinances appearing on the City Council agenda as authorized under Government Code Section 36934, unless otherwise directed by the City Council.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Councilmember Galvan 7-0
12.2 A Second Reading of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of El Monte, California, Amending Certain Provisions of Chapter 10.08 (Speed Limits) of Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic) of the El Monte Municipal Code to Revise or Restore Speed Limits for Three (3) Recently Modified City Street Segments.
RECOMMENDATION OF BU SINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
City Council Meeting Minutes of March 12, 2025
4 1. Approve the proposed Ordinance by second reading.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Ordinance No. 3046
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Councilmember Galvan 7-0
12.3 Consideration and Approval of an Increase to the Existing USA Blue Book Purchase Order to Continue Providing Safety Equipment and Supplies for the Utilities Division for a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $15,000.
RECOMMENDATION OF BU SINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve an increase to the existing USA Blue Book purchase order to continue providing safety equipment and supplies for the Utilities Division in the amount of $15,000 for an aggregate, not-to-exceed amount of $25,000 for additional supplies needed; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, to approve the increase to the USA Blue Book purchase order.
Total Cost: $15,000 Account No: 600-67-696-6211
Water Fund
650-67-693-6211
Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Sewer Fund
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Councilmember Galvan 7-0
12.4 Consideration and Approval to Purchase Two (2) 2025 Toyota Tacoma SR Trucks for a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $80,000.
RECOMMENDATION OF BU SINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve the purchase of two (2) 2025 Toyota Tacoma SR Trucks for a not-to-exceed amount of $80,000.
Total Cost: $80,000 Account No: 650-67-693-8132
Sewer Maintenance Vehicle Fund
600-67-695-8132
Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Water Maintenance Vehicle Fund
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Councilmember Galvan 7-0
12.5 Consideration and Approval of a Sec ond Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement for Raftelis to Provide Technical and Preparation Continuation of Services for the Sewer Rate Study.
RECOMMENDATION OF BU SINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve a revised Professional Services Agreement with Raftelis to provide technical preparation services for the Water Rate Study for a not-to- exceed amount of $66,580; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to execute an Agreement with Raftelis.
City Council Meeting Minutes of March 12, 2025
5 Total Cost: $66,580 Account No: 600-67-677-6111
Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Water Fund Account
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Councilmember Galvan 7-0
13. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Members of the public wishing to address the Council on any item of business agendized under this Public Hearing portion of the agenda are asked to submit a speaker card for each Public Hearing item of business they wish to address the Council on. Each speaker will be allotted three (3) continuous minutes per Public Hearing item. Members of the public are asked to submit speaker cards to the City Clerk or the Sergeant-of-Arms before the Council’s approval of the agenda, if possi ble. The Council is under no obligation to recognize a speaker who submits a speaker card for a particular Public Hearing item of business after the public comment portion of the public hearing for that item has closed.
[No Public Hearing Items Agendized for this Council meeting]
14. REGULAR AGENDA:
14.1 Consideration and Approval of a Purchase Order with Wachs Utility Products to Purchase a Valve Maintenance Trailer for a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $103,455.
RECOMMENDATION OF BU SINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve a purchase order with Wachs Utility Products to purchase a valve maintenance trailer for a not-to-exceed amount of $103,455; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to execute a purchase order with Wachs Utility Products.
Total Cost: $103,455 Account No: 600-67-695-8131
Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Crippen-Thomas 7-0
14.2 Consideration and Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Onward Engineering for Construction Management and Inspection Services for the Parkway Drive/Denholm Drive Traffic Calming Project, CIP No. 001 for a Not-to- Exceed Amount of $537,082.37.
RECOMMENDATION OF BU SINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve a Professional Services Agreement for Construction Management and Inspection Services for the Parkway Drive/Denholm Drive Traffic Calming Project, CIP No. 001, with Onward Engineering for a not-to- exceed amount of $537,082.37 which includes an Agreement amount of $488,256.37 plus a ten percent (10%) contingency of $48,826; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the Professional Services Agreement with Onward Engineering.
Total Cost: $537,082.37 Account No: 299-67-001-8221 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes
m) Councilmember Galan
s) Councilmember Longoria 7-0
City Council Meeting Minutes of March 12, 2025
6 14.3 Consideration and Approval of a Resolution Setting the Date, Time, and Place of a Majority-Protest Public Hearing Per Article XIIID, Section 6 of the California Constitution and Government Code Section 53755 Et Seq. to Receive Written Protests by Affected Real Property Parcel Owners to Proposed Increases to the City’s Schedule of Sewer Service Fees and Charges; Approving a Master List of Affected Parcels; Approving a Related Sewer Service Charge Rate Study; Approving Rules for the Submission and Tabulation of Written Protests; and Directing Staff to Undertake all Other Measures Required to Conduct a Majority- Protest Hearing.
RECOMMENDATION OF BU SINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Receive the presentation from City staff and Raftelis regarding the preparation of the 2025 Sewer Rate Study supporting the proposed approval of a schedule of increase sewer service fees and charges and pose questions to staff; and
2. Approve the attached Resolution which:
Sets the date, time and location of a majority-protest public hearing; Approves the master list of affected real property parcels; Accepts the Raftelis 2025 Sewer Rate Study and adopt its findings and proposed schedule of increased sewer service fees and charges; Approves rules and procedures for the submission of written protests; Directs City staff to undertake all other procedures required by law, including the issuance of 45-day notices to affected property owners.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Resolution No. 10591
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Councilmember Galvan 7-0
15. CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA:
16. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA:
16.1 Update Regarding Traffic Enforcement from the Police Department.
Chief Fisher provided the City Council with overview update on crime, activity and traffic issues.
Mayor Ancona wanted to confirm that this is compared to the same two (2) months from last year.
Councilmember Crippen-Thomas asked what to do with the automatic bikes with no lights zooming through the streets.
Chief Fisher advised that if residents see this going on they can call the Police Department to report this.
Mayor Pro Tem Cortez thanked the Chief for the presentation and said this was good information. Also spoke about the automatic bikes/scooters.
Councilmember Herrera thanked the Chief for the presentation. Also spoke about the automatic bikes and indicated that it is not only kids using these. Also spoke about the vendor food court on the state highway property.
Chief Fisher will partner with Economic Development Director Steve Fowler to brainstorm on how to address this matter.
Mayor Ancona asked which agency Highway Patrol or Sheriffs.
City Council Meeting Minutes of March 12, 2025
7 Councilmember Longoria thanked the Chief for addressing the concerns she had.
Thanked the Police Department for addressing the issue at Tito’s Plaza.
Chief Fisher appreciates the returned reciprocated survey that callers get to let the Police Department know how they are doing.
16.2 Update Regarding Crime Stats from the Police Department.
17. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
18. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS/REPORTS:
18A. Mayor Ancona
Mayor Ancona spoke about Assembly Bill 259. The Mayor of Azusa reached out and inquired if the City of El Monte would support this Assembly Bill relating to remote participation in meetings.
Mayor Pro Tem Cortez asked what past practice is regarding a request like this.
City Attorney Olivarez advised the City Council there is no prescribed process or procedure, the Council could give direction to the Mayor advising that they are supporting this.
Mayor Ancona said there is a draft letter that the City Council could use and send to show support.
Councilmember Herrera asked about the process. Council may have additional questions and do their own research.
City Attorney Olivarez informed the City Council that they can bring back.
Mayor Ancona asked to bring back in two (2) weeks.
Councilmember Dr. Ruedas asked about the process too. What has been the process for items like this.
18B. Mayor Pro Tem Cortez
Expressed her appreciation for Sunday’s event, the Be Nutritous re-grand opening.
Thanked Economic Development and Publics Works.
Mayor Ancona mentioned there is a lot to celebrate in the city of El Monte. Had a grand opening of US Bank, re-grand opening of Be Nutritious, Little League Open Day coming back. Invited everyone this Saturday to the Zamora Park Groundbreaking Ceremony at 11:00 am.
18C. Councilwoman Crippen-Thomas
18C.1 Thank you to Residents for Attending the Community Meeting – District 1 Held on Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cherrylee Elementary School Located at 5025 Buffington Road, El Monte, CA 91732.
Councilmember Crippen-Thomas thanked the residents for attending the community meeting. Thanked her colleagues for being there to support.
18C.2 Invitation to the El Monte Historical Museum Open House March 16, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 3150 Tyler Avenue, El Monte.
Councilmember Crippen-Thomas invited everyone to Museum’s Open House. Spoke about two (2) new items the museum just received.
City Council Meeting Minutes of March 12, 2025
8 On May 1, 2025 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, there will be a community business resource meeting at the Community Center. Staff is reaching out to businesses to come with their concerns.
18D. Councilwoman Galvan
18E. Councilman Herrera
18F. Councilwoman Longoria
18G. Councilwoman Dr. Ruedas
Councilmember Dr. Ruedas thanked the Chief and the Police Department and also thanked the City Manager. Thanked Public Works for all the on-going work and the beautification of the City.
19. ADJOURNMENT:
At 9:01 p.m.
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Galvan 7-0
Adjourn the meeting
The next Regular Meeting of the City Council will be held on March 26, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
This Agenda will be posted on the City’s website,
www.ci.el-monte.ca.us, and physically
posted no less than 72 hours prior to the start of the subject regular meeting. Although it is the City’s practice and desire to electronically post a copy of this Agenda along with supporting material as part of its website posting, the size or formatting of certain supporting materials may render their website posting infeasible. Nevertheless, all supporting materials related to any item on this Agenda, that is made available to the members of the council may be inspected by members of the public at the City Clerk’s Office located at 11333 Valley Boulevard, El Monte, Monday through Thursday, 7:00 am – 5:30 pm. For more information, please call the City Clerk’s Office at 626-580-2016.
All public meetings and events sponsored or conducted by the City of El Monte are held in sites accessible to persons with disabilities. Requests for accommodations may be made by calling the office of the City Clerk at (626) 580-2016 at least three (3) working days prior to the event, if possible. This Agenda and copies of documents distributed at the meeting are available in alternative formats upon request.
____________________________
Gabriel Ramirez, City Clerk
C i t y o f E l M o n t e
APPROVED:
_________________________________
Jessica Ancona, Mayor
City of El Monte